jul 1, 1500 - Songhai Founded
Description:
Gao would become the capital of the Songhai Empire
Was a pre-colonial African state centered in Eastern Mali
from the early 15th to the late 16th century, Songhai was one of the largest African empires in history
The empire had the same name as the leading ethnic group, the Songhai
base of power was on the bend of the Niger River
Sunni Ali came to power when Songhai was a small kingdom in Western Sudan
During his 28 year reign, it grew into the largest, most powerful empire in West Africa
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Under Askia the Great's rule, education in the empire, especially Timbuktu,
flourished
Built a university in Timbuktu for students
Djenn'e also became a center of learning
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Declined in 1591 due to Morrokcco's invasion of Songhai
Although not many invaders, they had firearms, not yet seen in West Africa
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